Violinist Mark O’Connor Fuses Styles In ‘Appalachian Christmas’

Violinist and composer Mark O'Connor (courtesy: Jim McGuire)

Composer and violinist Mark O’Connor has long been known for music that fuses classical and folk traditions. He won a Grammy in 2001 for his CD, “Appalachian Journey,” that he recorded with Yo-Yo Ma and Edgar Meyer.

In his new CD, “Appalachian Christmas,” O’Connor records traditional carols and folk staples with a variety of artists, including Yo-Yo Ma, James Taylor, Renee Fleming and Alison Krauss.

He also brings his love of American music to his method of teaching violin. O’Connor says that using a repertoire that includes bluegrass and jazz gives students a greater appreciation of American culture. He says American song structures are designed to be interpreted in a variety of ways, and he encourages students to mix styles, just as he does.

Eight Principles of the O’Connor Violin Method

Mark O'Connor's One Winter's Night

Mark O'Connor's The Christmas Song

Guest:

Mark O’Connor, violinist and composer

We welcome comments from all of our listeners. Post below. Please stay on topic and be civil. Comments may be moderated by us, but you are solely responsible for the content of your comments.

Codo

Robin Young, I love your show, but I grew up in Appalachia (east TN) near Great Smoky Mountain National Park and just a mere 40 miles from the Appalachian Trail. I have one particular pet peeve:

“Appalachian” Is pronounced with a short ‘a’ after the ‘l’.

Thanks! Also, I’m really glad you brought Mark O’Connor on for a bit!